The Sanctuary of Greccio is a spectacular place located at 2000ft on a steep rock overlooking the "Holy Valley", where St.Francis used to wander. The Franciscans counted many settlements  throughout the valley in the 13th and 14th centuries

Greccio was the place where, in December 1223, St. Francis devised the first living crib. The idea was to discourage would-be pilgrims to go to Bethlehem, as it was a risky adventure, the Holy Land being then under the control of the Turks

History of Nativity..

"Francis, recalling a visit he had made years before to Bethlehem, resolved to create the manger he had seen there. The ideal spot was a cave in nearby Greccio. He would find a baby, hay upon which to lay him, an ox and an ass to stand beside the manger. Word went out to the people of the town. At the appointed time they arrived carrying torches and candles. One of the friars began celebrating Mass while Francis himself gave the sermon. Francis stood before the manger, overwhelmed with love and filled with a wonderful happiness. For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardships Jesus suffered even as an infant, a savior who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus."

In the convent there is the Chapel of the Nativity, dug into the rock, and, within the dormitory of the friars, the cell in which St.Francis slept.
You can find also a 13th century small church and a small choir with wooden stalls still well preserved since 800 years!

The Sanctuary of Greccio is located at about 60ml north of Rome, on a steep rock, at 2000ft of height.
At a short driving distance you can visit Umbria Region, which is named "The green heart of Italy" for its green and unspoiled countryside. Marmore Falls (the tallest waterfalls in Europe), Spoleto and its Roman Bridge, Piediluco Lake and dozens of medieval villages are very close to the sanctuary

St. Michael the Archangel first appeared at Monte Sant'Angelo in 490. According to tradition, it all started when a local nobleman lost the best bull of his herd. After much searching, he found it kneeling in a cave. Unable to approach it, he shot the bull with an arrow, but the arrow turned around and struck the man instead.

Bewildered and bleeding, the man went to see his bishop, who ordered three days of prayer and fasting.  At the end of the three days, St. Michael the Archangel appeared to the bishop and said:

"I am Michael the Archangel and am always in the presence of God. I chose the cave that is sacred to me. There will be no more shedding of bull's blood. Where the rocks open widely, the sins of men may be pardoned. What is asked here in prayer will be granted. Therefore, go up to the mountain cave and dedicate it to the Christian God!"

St. Michael made two more appearances here and the last one in 1656 during a great plague. The local bishop invoked St. Michael for protection, and the archangel appeared to him. The plague then ceased, and the mountain shrine became more popular than ever.

The sanctuary has been a popular place of pilgrimage for many centuries: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Gerard Majella, St. William of Vercelli and six popes have made the pilgrimage here to ask for St. Michael's protection.

Monte Sant'Angelo is located in the hills on the Gargano promontory, on the east coast of south-central Italy, the "spur" of the boot. It is just half an hour drive from San Giovanni Rotondo, the second most visited Catholic shrine in the world.

Since then the place became a sacred place, a church was built and pilgrims started flock here to feel the presence of the Saint.

The first historical document we know about Narni is dated 600 b.c. In the 12th and 14th century Narni became part of the Papal State and developed an important school of painting and goldsmiths.
The town is famous for the largest Roman bridge ever built, by which the Via Flaminia (one of the major Roman roads) crossed the river Nera: about half of the bridge still stands; it is some 100 feet high.

Narni is a small hill town village located on the southern boundary of the Umbria region, very near the exact geographical center of Italy. The Holy Cave of St Francis is located at 8 miles from Narni, at 1800 feet of height

Narni is a small hilltown village located on the southern boundary of the Umbria region, very near the exact geographical center of Italy.
The Holy Cave of St Francis is located at 8 miles from Narni, at 1800 feet of height

The Shrine consists of an ancient Church built in 1540 and a new one, Our Lady of Grace. This was specifically requested by Padre Pio and was built during his lifetime to accommodate the many pilgrims and worshipers attracted to San Giovanni Rotondo. Today it remains the central focus of the sanctuary

Padre Pio also founded the Home for the Relief of Suffering, a hospital in the forefront of scientific research and considered one of the most efficient hospitals in Europe.

The new modern Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church was completed in 2004. It can accommodate seven thousand people seated inside and over thirty thousands standing in the outside square. Designed and built by the world-renowned architect Renzo Piano it is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture

San Giovanni Rotondo is built on the ruins of an ancient village. Even today, many trace back to the old village. Frederick the II shaped the look of this village. In order to guard against looting, as occurred in the early history of San Giovanni Rotondo often, he fortified the city with walls and watchtowers. The relics are still present today

Lanciano is located near the Eastern coast of Italy, halfway between the Sanctuary of Loreto and San Giovanni Rotondo, where is the tomb of Padre Pio

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